Families

Order CARCHARHINIFORMES

Common name: Ground Sharks, Whaler Sharks

Summary:

The order Carcharhiniformes includes the largest number of shark species. Currently, seven families and more than 200 species are known. The group is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions, from coastal regions to the continental slope. Most species are treated in Compagno (1984), and Australian species in Last & Stevens (2009).

The diversity in form of the 47 genera and over 200 species in this order is not particularly great, mostly reflecting contrasting requirements for bottom living and free swimming modes of existence. Genera are currently grouped into 7 families, 4 of which are represented in southern Aust waters. All have 2 dorsal fins, an anal fin and a transparent lower eyelid known as a nictitating membrane.